The Department of Agriculture would perform background checks with law enforcement, and crops would be tested for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

"This is a manufacturing plant that we would use in all types of manufacturing of fibers of oils and a lot of uses for it," said Sen. Paul Hornback of Shelbyville.

Commissioners said Kentucky can once again become the national leader in hemp products and even equipment to process the plant.

"We have a rich history in hemp production. We were the premier supplier of hemp seed for a lot of other areas that couldn't grow and produce the seed that we can produce here," said commission member John Riley.

Hemp contains less than 1 percent THC, but critics warn the plant is indistinguishable to the eye from marijuana.

In a joint statement released by the Kentucky Narcotic Officers' Association and the state anti-drug organization Operation Unite, the groups said they fear growers will plant marijuana among the hemp and argue law enforcement would be unable to tell the difference without testing.

Hornback says the agricultural practices are distinctly different.

"You look at the harvest activity that would be going on. Hemp would be harvested prior to the seeds and the maturity of the plant, which is what the marijuana producer wants," said Hornback.

A vote date for the legislation has not been set. There will be an agriculture committee hearing on Feb. 11. That's when those for and against the bill will testify. The committee will then vote as to whether it moves on to the floor or not.